Bellydance originated in the Middle East and was introduced to American audiences in the 1800s under the name "bellydance" to increase profits at a World Fair show. It has since grown in popularity in the US as a family-friendly art form enjoyed by people of all ages and genders. There are different styles of bellydance including Cabaret, American Tribal, Fusion, and Gothic styles, each with distinguishing characteristics in costume, music, and performance approach (solo or group). Bellydance continues to evolve while gaining recognition as a legitimate ancient dance form.

1. The Art of BellyDance(for CI102)

2. The word “bellydance” was coined by a man named Sol Bloom in the 1800s at the World Fair in Chicago. He used this titillating term to describe the ethnic dances from the Middle-East when he saw that his show was not making a profit. Curious, the sexually repressed audience flocked... Called “Raks Sharki” or “Danse Oryantal” in Arabic and Turkish speaking countries respectively, “bellydancing” has since risen in popularity in the U.S. as a family friendly artform that Americans of all ages and genders can enjoy.

3. Different Styles: Cabaret In the United States, we typically make a distinction between two main styles of bellydance: Cabaret and Tribal. The Cabaret style is typically what most people invision when they think of a bellydancer. The costume or “bedleh” is typically very glitzy and glamorous. The dancer typically is a soloist.

4. Different Styles: American Tribal American Tribal Style or ATS was developed by a woman named Carolena Nericcio in the 70s. ATS combines bellydance with other dance styles including Flamenco and traditional Indian Dance. The costuming is also very multicultural and dancers are typically seen wearing silver jewelry from the Kuchi tribe of Afghanistan. ATS is typically done in a group.

5. Different Styles: Fusion Bellydance is frequently incorporated into other dance styles such as hip-hop, ballet, and jazz. Rachel Brice of The Indigo is largely credited with popularizing Bellydance Fusion, and her particular style has become a category all its own.

6. Different Styles: Gothic Once on the margins much like the subculture itself, Gothic bellydance has become its own unique category. As one would expect, dark and somber imagery is taken from the goth subculture and applied to bellydance. A variety of music from darkwave to steampunk is used in place of traditional Middle-Eastern music.

7. Ever-Evolving While misunderstood and misrepresented in the minds of the public for generations, bellydancing is regaining its place as an ancient dance form that deserves to be recognized along with any type of Ballet or Jazz. My dream is that one day it will be considered as such.